RI: Motorcycle Ordinance...

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.scindependent.com/articles/2012/02/09/narragansett/doc4f33dbe54cf51224856378.txt
Council passes reading of motorcycle ordinance
By Iain Wilson/Independent Staff Writer
NARRAGANSETT — In hopes of curtailing the ear-piercing wail of illegal motorcycle tailpipes, the Town Council on Monday voted unanimously to approve an ordinance that would allow police officers to perform traffic stops on motorcycles that are clearly audible from at least 200 feet away.
Police Chief F. Dean Hoxsie said his department is consistently fielding noise complaints about motorcycles zipping through Narragansett, primarily in the center of town.
“This will give us a little flexibility,” said Hoxsie.
Armed with the new ordinance, officers would be allowed to conduct a traffic stop on a motorcycle if any sound emanating from the bike is plainly audible from a distance of at least 200 feet.
Motorcyclists would be cited if the exhaust system on the bike was not factory installed.
First offenders would be fined $100, which would jump to $250 and $500 for second- and third-time offenses, respectively.
“It’s very difficult with moving vehicles,” said Hoxsie. “This gives us probable cause to stop that. The person could then be summoned if it is an after-market add-on.”
The ordinance is still subject to a second reading by the council.
Hoxsie said motorcycles with factory-installed exhausts rarely create the noise levels that after-market add-on and modified exhausts typically do.
“The stock pipes you see are fine,” said Councilman Christopher Wilkens.
“[The aftermarket exhausts] wake the kids. They rattle the windows and they make you pass a kidney stone,” said Wilkens, who lives on Narragansett Avenue.
Town Solicitor Mark A. McSally said the new ordinance is the same as one utilized with good result in East Greenwich, which was experiencing noise issues around Main Street.
In 2007, Narragansett adopted an ordinance to deal with loud motorcycles. But, because it was based on a decibel level reading on a moving vehicle, officials have found it difficult to enforce.
“This changes the equation,” said Wilkens.
“It’s a shame to have these loud motorcycles disrupt the beautiful sounds that we have in Narragansett,” said resident Al Alba Jr. during the public comment period.